Production and Characterization of Composite Filaments for 3D Printing

In this study, various nano and micro particles with different properties, including density, surface area, purity and particle morphology were used as reinforcement particles for the production of polymer composite filaments to be used for 3D printing. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) was matrix material and Multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), SiO2, ZrB2, and, Al particles were reinforcements. Production of the composite filaments was carried out by using a twin screw extruder. Produced composite filaments were characterized via Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), tensile test and surface roughness tests. Results showed that addition of micro/nano particles into ABS matrix improved the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) of the composites by around 16% compared to non-reinforced one. As a result of reinforcing with micro particles, ZrB2 and Al, the tensile strain of neat-ABS filament increased by 17.8% and 40%, respectively